Reaction from many to Brad Wall’s decision to step down as Saskatchewan Premier

The decision by Brad Wall on Thursday to step down as Saskatchewan’s Premier is as expected garnering a lot of reaction.

Here is some of what is being said in the wake of the announcement:

JUSTIN TRUDEAU – Prime Minister: “I have had the privilege of working closely with Premier Wall for more than a year and a half. In that time, we have made important progress on the issues that matter most to middle class Canadians, including pensions, health care, growing our agricultural industry, and promoting our natural resources to the world.

“Premier Wall has worked tirelessly to promote Canada and Canadian exports with our international trading partners. His efforts will benefit the people of Saskatchewan for years to come.

NICOLE SARAUER– Interim leader of Saskatchewan NDP: “Mr. Wall has served the people of Swift Current and the province of Saskatchewan for five terms and anyone who dedicates decades of their life to public service deserves recognition for that work. Even though we come from different political parties, have very different perspectives and disagree on many things, I appreciate the commitment that Mr. Wall has shown and the sacrifices he has made while serving our province.

“I wish Mr. Wall and his family well as he moves on to the next chapter of his life.

“While Mr. Wall is stepping away, our work as the Official Opposition continues. This is still the same Sask. Party who is punishing Saskatchewan people for Sask. Party mismanagement, scandal and waste with heartless cuts, unfair tax hikes, and desperate sell-offs. The Sask. Party has doubled the number of Saskatchewan people looking for work and, in just five years, they are doubling the province’s debt.

JOHN HOPKINS–Regina Chamber of Commerce: “We are deeply moved by Premier Wall’s announcement. Our Premier is one of the greatest if not the greatest Premiers to govern any province at any time in our country’s history. During his term as Premier our province dramatically changed to a “can do” province. We witnessed record growth in relation to jobs, income and investment. Instead of being the place to be from we became the place to be.

RALPH GOODALE — Regina Liberal MP: Disagreements aside, there is no doubt Brad Wall has been very passionate for Saskatchewan over the last decade.

ANDREW SCHEER–Federal Conservative Leader: Brad Wall has been a powerful voice for Saskatchewan, a leader on the national stage, and a champion of Canada’s conservative movement over his decade as Premier of Saskatchewan.

His record speaks for itself. Under Premier Wall’s leadership, Saskatchewan grew and expanded as never before. Reversing a decades-old trend, Saskatchewan now attracts people from all over Canada and the world, offering jobs, opportunity and growing communities to people from all walks of life. Premier Wall’s vision of a prosperous, growing Saskatchewan earned him and the Saskatchewan Party the confidence of his province in three straight majority election victories.

Canadians from coast-to-coast-to coast have appreciated his leadership on the national stage, particularly his opposition to a national carbon tax. He has always been a strong voice for resource development and job creation, and the prosperity and opportunity these industries offer to hard-working families.

STEVE MCLELLAN – Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO: “Brad Wall’s vision and tireless efforts for Saskatchewan have made this an economically strong province, his steadfast leadership has been remarkable and for this, we thank him.”

DR. VIANNE TIMMONS: University of Regina President: Serving as Premier involves significant sacrifice and time away from family and friends, and any person who takes on this challenge deserves our most sincere appreciation. We wish Premier Wall all the best in his future endeavours.”

MICHAEL FOUGERE- Regina mayor: “Wall worked hard to bring his vision of economic growth and prosperity as premier for ten years. ” Fougere says Wall is a remarkable man of integrity, and is the best communicator in a political leader he has seen in a generation.

TODD LEWIS-President of APAS: Premier Brad Wall leaves a strong legacy in rural Saskatchewan. He has provided major support for farmers and ranchers through farm support programs, highways and rural infrastructure, and that he has assisted rural municipalities through predictable and adequate revenue-sharing programs.